Oral care whitening compositions

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are oral care compositions comprising a peroxide whitening complex in an amount to provide from 3.5% to 7% of hydrogen peroxide by weight of the composition, and a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in an amount of from 40% to 60% by weight of the composition. Methods of making and using the dentifrices are also provided.

BACKGROUND

Conventional oral care products (e.g., toothpastes, gels, etc.)containing whitening agents are often utilized to whiten teeth. Forexample, conventional toothpastes containing peroxides (e.g., hydrogenperoxide) are often utilized to oxidize chromophores bound to surfacesof teeth to thereby whiten the teeth. However, peroxide compounds arehighly reactive, and consequently difficult to formulate. Moreover,hydrogen peroxide can spontaneously decompose to form oxygen gas (02)and water, so that on storage, the dentifrice container may bloat,burst, or leak, and the remaining formulation will not have enoughperoxide remaining to clean and whiten teeth effectively. Somedentifrices initially comprise very high levels of peroxide, whichdecomposes over time, so that the exact amount of peroxide delivered onapplication is variable and largely depends on how long and under whatconditions the dentifrice has been stored.

The peroxide may be present as hydrogen peroxide or as a source of boundhydrogen peroxide. Sources of bound hydrogen peroxide include PVP-H₂O₂complexes, urea peroxide, calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate. Thecommonly used humectants in toothpaste, such as propylene glycol, PEG,glycerin, sorbitol, interact with PVP-H₂O₂ complexes differently,resulting in different degree of the instability of peroxide. Among thempropylene glycol is commonly used as the major carrier in formulationscontaining PVP-H₂O₂ complexes due to its least interaction with PVP-H₂O₂complexes. However, it has been a challenge to formulate stablewhitening toothpaste compositions with a high amount of PVP-H₂O₂complexes (e.g., providing 4% hydrogen peroxide).

There is a need for peroxide-containing whitening oral care compositionscontaining a high amount of PVP-H₂O₂ complexes which exhibit improvedwhitening efficacy and stability.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an aspect, the invention provides an oral care composition comprisinga peroxide whitening complex in an amount to provide from 3.5% to 7% ofhydrogen peroxide by weight of the composition, and a block copolymer ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide in an amount of from 40% to 60% byweight of the composition. The block copolymer of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide may have a molecular weight of from 1,000 Da to 3,000Da. In some embodiments, the composition does not contain propyleneglycol. In some embodiments, the whitening complex comprises across-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide(PVP-H₂O₂). In some embodiments, the composition comprises a fluorideion source.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of whitening teeth,comprising applying any of the oral care compositions disclosed hereinto the surface of the teeth.

In another aspect, the invention provides the use of a block copolymerof ethylene oxide and propylene oxide for increasing the stability of anoral care composition comprising a peroxide whitening complex in anamount to provide from 3.5% to 7% of hydrogen peroxide by weight of thecomposition, wherein the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide is present in an amount of from 40% to 60% by weight of thecomposition. The block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxidemay have a molecular weight of from 1,000 Da to 3,000 Da. In someembodiments, the composition does not contain propylene glycol. In someembodiments, the whitening complex comprises a cross-linkedpolyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide (PVP-H₂O₂).

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a photo of PVP-H₂O₂ mixed with PLURONIC® L35 (left vial) orpropylene glycol (right vial).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure,its application, or uses.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed hereinand elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer topercentages by weight. The amounts given are based on the active weightof the material.

The invention relates to stable oral care whitening compositionscontaining a high level (e.g., about 4%) of hydrogen peroxide. Althoughhumectants such as propylene glycol can be used as the main carrier toformulate stable oral care compositions comprising PVP-H₂O₂ complexes inan amount to provide up to 3% hydrogen peroxide, formulating stable oralcare composition comprising a higher amount of PVP-H₂O₂ complexes hasbeen challenging. PVP-H₂O₂ complex has a load limit in the amount ofhydrogen peroxide the complex can carry. For example, Peroxydone™ XL-10complex contains about 18% hydrogen peroxide. Thus, 22% Peroxydone™XL-10 has to be added into an oral care composition to deliver 4%hydrogen peroxide. However, the high level of cross-linked PVP presentin 22% Peroxydone™ XL-10 thickens the formulation unacceptably over timein a propylene glycol based formulation. In the present invention, thepresent inventors have found that the complete replacement of propyleneglycol with a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide(e.g., PLURONIC® L35) improves the stability of an oral care compositioncontaining 22% Peroxydone™ XL-10. It has also been found that hydrogenperoxide and fluoride are stable over time in the block copolymer ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide (e.g., PLURONIC® L35)-basedformulation.

The invention provides, in an aspect, an oral care composition(Composition 1.0) comprising a peroxide whitening complex in an amountto provide from 3.5% to 7% of hydrogen peroxide by weight of thecomposition, and a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxidein an amount of from 40% to 60% by weight of the composition.

For example, the invention includes:

-   -   1.1. Composition 1.0, wherein the whitening complex comprises or        is a cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen        peroxide (PVP-H₂O₂).    -   1.2. Composition 1.0 or 1.1, wherein the whitening complex        contains 10-30% hydrogen peroxide, based on the weight of the        whitening complex, e.g., 15-25%, 15-20%, or about 18%.    -   1.3. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the peroxide        whitening complex is present in an amount to provide 3.5-6%,        e.g., 3.5-5%, 3.5-4.5%, 3.8-4.2%, 3.9%-4.1%, or about 4%, of        hydrogen peroxide, by weight of the composition.    -   1.4. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the block copolymer        of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide is represented by formula        (ethylene oxide)_(x)-(propylene oxide)_(y)-(ethylene oxide)_(z),        wherein:        -   x is an integer from about 5 to about 15,        -   y is an integer from about 10 to about 20, and        -   z is an integer from about 5 to about 15.    -   1.5. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the block copolymer        of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide is represented by formula        (ethylene oxide)₁₁-(propylene oxide)₁₆-(ethylene oxide)₁₁.    -   1.6. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the block copolymer        of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide has an average molecular        weight of from 1,000 Da to 3,000 Da, e.g., from 1,500 Da to        2,500 Da, from 1,700 Da to 2,200, from 1,800 to 2,000, or about        1,900 Da.    -   1.7. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the block copolymer        of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide is present in an amount of        from 40% to 50%, e.g., from 45% to 50%, from 44% to 50%, from 46        to 48%, from 44% to 48%, or from 44% to 47%, by weight of the        composition.    -   1.8. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition does        not contain propylene glycol.    -   1.9. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition does        not contain any of propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol and        polyethyleneglycol (PEG).    -   1.10. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprise a thickening agent selected from fumed silica,        colloidal silica, cetearyl alcohol, or a combination thereof,        optionally in an amount of from 0.5% to 5%, e.g., from 1% to 4%,        from 1% to 3%, from 1% to 2%, about 1.5%, by weight of the        composition, optionally wherein the composition comprises a        fumed silica.    -   1.11. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises an ethylene oxide, propylene oxide block co-polymer        having an average molecular weight of greater than 5000 Da,        e.g., 8000-13000 Da, e.g., about 9800 Da, optionally wherein the        ethylene oxide, propylene oxide block co-polymer is present in        an amount of from 5% to 10%, e.g., from 6% to 9%, from 7% to 8%,        or about 7.5%, by weight of the composition.    -   1.12. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises an abrasive selected from sodium metaphosphate,        potassium metaphosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, magnesium        orthophosphate, trimagnesium orthophosphate, tricalcium        phosphate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, anhydrous dicalcium        phosphate, or mixtures thereof.    -   1.13. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises calcium pyrophosphate.    -   1.14. Compositions 1.12 or 1.13, wherein the abrasive is present        in an amount of from 5% to 40%, e.g., 5-30%, 5-20%, 10-30%,        10-20%, 12-18%, 13-17%, or about 15%, by weight of the        composition.    -   1.15. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises an anionic surfactant, e.g., a surfactant selected        from sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium ether lauryl sulfate, and a        combination thereof.    -   1.16. Composition 1.15, wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium        lauryl sulfate.    -   1.17. Composition 1.15 or 1.16, wherein the anionic surfactant        is present in an amount of from 0.3% to 4.5%, e.g., 1-3%,        1.5-2.5%, 1.8-2.2%, or about 2%, by weight of the composition.    -   1.18. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises a fluoride ion source.    -   1.19. Composition 1.18, wherein the fluoride ion source is        selected from sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, potassium        fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluorosilicate,        ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride (e.g.,        N′-octadecyltrimethylenediamine-N,N,N′-tris(2-ethanol)-dihydrofluoride),        ammonium fluoride, titanium fluoride, hexafluorosulfate, and a        combination thereof.    -   1.20. Composition 1.18 or 1.19, wherein the fluoride ion source        is present in an amount sufficient to supply 25 ppm to 5,000 ppm        of fluoride ions, generally at least 500 ppm, e.g., 500 to 2000        ppm, e.g., 1000 ppm to 1600 ppm, e.g., 1450 ppm.    -   1.21. Any of Compositions 1.18-1.20, wherein the fluoride ion        source is sodium monofluorophosphate or sodium fluoride.    -   1.22. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the oral care        composition comprises an anticalculus agent, optionally wherein        anticalculus agent is selected from tetrasodium pyrophosphate        (TSPP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), or a combination        thereof.    -   1.23. Any of preceding compositions, wherein the oral care        composition comprises sodium acid pyrophosphate (Na₂H₂P₂O₇),        optionally wherein sodium acid pyrophosphate is present in an        amount of from 0.1% to 5%, e.g., from 0.1% to 3%, from 0.1% to        2%, from 0.1% to 1%, from 0.1% to 0.5%, from 0.2% to 0.5%, from        0.3% to 0.5%, or about 0.4%, by weight of the composition.    -   1.24. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises a basic amino acid in free or salt form.    -   1.25. Composition 1.24, wherein the basic amino acid comprises        one or more of arginine, lysine, citrulline, ornithine,        creatine, histidine, diaminobutanoic acid, diaminoproprionic        acid, salts thereof, or combinations thereof.    -   1.26. Composition 1.24 or 1.25, wherein the basic amino acid has        the L-configuration.    -   1.27. Any of Compositions 1.24-1.26, wherein the basic amino        acid is present in an amount of from 1% to 15%, e.g., from 1% to        10%, from 1% to 5%, from 1% to 3%, from 1% to 2%, from 1.2% to        1.8%, from 1.4% to 1.6%, or about 1.5% by weight of the        composition, being calculated as free base form.    -   1.28. Any of Compositions 1.24-1.27, wherein the basic amino        acid comprises arginine.    -   1.29. Composition 1.28, wherein the basic amino acid comprises        L-arginine.    -   1.30. Composition 1.28 or 1.29, wherein the basic amino acid        comprises arginine bicarbonate, arginine phosphate, arginine        sulfate, arginine hydrochloride or combinations thereof,        optionally wherein the basic amino acid is arginine bicarbonate.    -   1.31. Any of the preceding compositions, the composition        comprises a zinc ion source.    -   1.32. Composition 1.31, wherein the zinc ion source is selected        from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, zinc        chloride, zinc citrate, zinc lactate, zinc gluconate, zinc        malate, zinc tartrate, zinc carbonate, zinc phosphate and a        combination thereof.    -   1.33. Composition 1.31 or 1.32, wherein the zinc ion source is        present an amount of from 0.01% to 5%, e.g., 0.1% to 4%, or 0.5%        to 3%, by weight of the composition.    -   1.34. Any of Compositions 1.31 to 1.33, wherein the additional        zinc ion source is selected from the group consisting of zinc        oxide, zinc citrate, and a combination thereof.    -   1.35. Any of Compositions 1.31-1.34, wherein the zinc ion source        is a combination of zinc oxide and zinc citrate.    -   1.36. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises a stannous ion source, optionally wherein the stannous        ion source is selected from the group consisting of stannous        chloride, stannous fluoride, stannous pyrophosphate, stannous        formate, stannous acetate, stannous gluconate, stannous lactate,        stannous tartrate, stannous oxalate, stannous malonate, stannous        citrate, stannous ethylene glyoxide, and mixtures thereof.    -   1.37. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        is free or substantially free of water, optionally wherein water        is present in an amount of less than 5.0 weight %, less than 3.0        weight %, less than 1.0 weight %, less than 0.1 weight %, less        than 0.05 weight %, less than 0.01 weight %, less than 0.005        weight %, or less than 0.0001 weight %, based on a total weight        of the oral care composition, and further optionally wherein the        composition does not contain water.    -   1.38. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises an effective amount of one or more antibacterial        agents, optionally wherein the antibacterial agent is selected        from halogenated diphenyl ether (e.g. triclosan), herbal        extracts and essential oils (e.g., rosemary extract, tea        extract, magnolia extract, thymol, menthol, eucalyptol,        geraniol, carvacrol, citral, hinokitol, catechol, methyl        salicylate, epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, gallic        acid, miswak extract, sea-buckthorn extract), bisguanide        antiseptics (e.g., chlorhexidine, alexidine or octenidine),        quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., cetylpyridinium chloride        (CPC), benzalkonium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride        (TPC), N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC)),        phenolic antiseptics, hexetidine, octenidine, sanguinarine,        povidone iodine, delmopinol, salifluor, metal ions (e.g., zinc        salts, for example, zinc citrate, stannous salts, copper salts,        iron salts), sanguinarine, propolis and oxygenating agents        (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, buffered sodium peroxyborate or        peroxycarbonate), phthalic acid and its salts, monoperthalic        acid and its salts and esters, ascorbyl stearate, oleoyl        sarcosine, alkyl sulfate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate,        salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, delmopinol, octapinol and        other piperidino derivatives, nicin preparations, chlorite        salts; and mixtures thereof; e.g., triclosan or cetylpyridinium        chloride.    -   1.39. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises a physiologically or orally acceptable potassium salt,        e.g., potassium nitrate or potassium chloride, in an amount        effective to reduce dentinal sensitivity.    -   1.40. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises a sweetener, optionally wherein the composition        comprises sodium saccharin and sucralose, and further optionally        wherein the composition comprises a triple sweetener system of        sodium saccharin, sucralose and rebaudioside M (Reb M).    -   1.41. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        comprises a breath freshener, fragrance or flavoring.    -   1.42. Any of the preceding compositions, further comprising an        oral care ingredient selected from: a film; a colorant; a pH        modifying agent; and a sensitivity reducing agent.    -   1.43. Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition        is a toothpaste or gel.

The oral care composition of the present invention may be free orsubstantially free of water. As used herein, the term “substantiallyfree of water” may refer to a composition that contains water in anamount of less than 5.0 weight %, less than 3.0 weight %, less than 1.0weight %, less than 0.1 weight %, less than 0.05 weight %, less than0.01 weight %, less than 0.005 weight %, or less than 0.0001 weight %,based on a total weight of the oral care composition. In someembodiments, the oral care composition is anhydrous. In someembodiments, the oral care composition does not contain water.

The oral care composition of the present invention may be a single phaseoral care composition. For example, the peroxide whitening agent, theblock copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and all otheringredients of the composition may be maintained together with oneanother in a single phase and/or vessel. For example, the peroxidewhitening agent, the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide and all other ingredients of the composition may be maintainedtogether with one another in a single phase such as a single homogenousphase. The single homogenous phase may be an anhydrous composition.

The oral care composition may form at least a portion of or be used inone or more oral care products. The oral care composition may include orbe combined with an orally acceptable vehicle to form the oral careproduct (e.g., toothpaste). Illustrative oral care products may include,but are not limited to, a toothpaste (dentifrice), a prophylactic paste,a tooth powder, a tooth polish, a tooth gel (e.g., whitening gel), achewing gum, a lozenge, a mouthwash, a whitening strip, a paint-on gel,varnish, veneer, and tube, syringe or dental tray comprising a gel orpaste, or a gel or paste coated on an application support such as dentalfloss or a toothbrush (e.g., a manual, electric, sound, a combinationthereof or ultrasound toothbrush). In a typical implementation, the oralcare composition may form at least a portion of or be used with atoothpaste. For example, the oral care composition may typically be agel of the toothpaste, or a whitening gel to be combined with thetoothpaste. The oral care composition may include or be combined with anorally acceptable vehicle to form the oral care product. In someembodiments, the oral care composition is a toothpaste or gel.

The oral care composition of the present invention comprises a peroxidewhitening complex which acts as a source of bound hydrogen peroxide. Thewhitening complex may contain 10-30% hydrogen peroxide, based on theweight of the whitening complex, e.g., 15-25%, 15-20%, or about 18%. Insome embodiments, the total amount of hydrogen peroxide is 3.5-7% basedon the weight of the composition, e.g., 3.5-6%, 3.5-5%, 3.5-4.5%,3.8-4.2%, 3-9-4.1%, or about 4%. Peroxide may be bound to a polymer suchas PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone). In some embodiments, the peroxidewhitening complex is a cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed withhydrogen peroxide (PVP-H₂O₂), e.g., Peroxydone™ XL-10 (Ashland SpecialtyChemical).

The oral care composition of the present invention comprises a blockcopolymer of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO). The blockcopolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide may be nonionic. Forexample, the block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide maybe a nonionic surfactant. The block copolymers of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide may be represented by formula (1).(ethylene oxide)_(x)-(propylene oxide)_(y)-(ethylene oxide)_(z)  (1)where x may be an integer of from about 5 to about 15 (e.g., x=9-13, orabout 11), y may be an integer from about 10 to about 20 (e.g., y=13-17,or about 16), and z may be an integer from about 5 to about 15 (e.g.,x=9-13, or about 11). In a certain embodiment, the block copolymer ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide may be represented by formula (2).(ethylene oxide)₁₁-(propylene oxide)₁₆-(ethylene oxide)₁₁  (2)

The block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide may have anaverage molecular weight of from about 1,000 Da to about 3,000 Da. Forexample, the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide mayhave an average molecular weight of from about 1,000 Da, about 1,100 Da,about 1,200 Da, about 1,300 Da, about 1,400 Da, about 1,500 Da, about1,600 Da, about 1,700 Da, about 1,800 Da, or about 1,850 Da to about1,950 Da, about 2,000 Da, about 2,100 Da, about 2,200 Da, about 2,300Da, about 2,400 Da, about 2,500 Da, about 2,600 Da, about 2,700 Da,about 2,800 Da, about 2,900 Da, or about 3,000 Da. In another example,the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide may have anaverage molecular weight of from about 1,000 Da to about 2,800 Da, about1,100 Da to about 2,700 Da, about 1,200 Da to about 2,600 Da, about1,300 Da to about 2,500 Da, about 1,400 Da to about 2,400 Da, about1,500 Da to about 2,300 Da, about 1,600 Da to about 2,200 Da, about1,700 Da to about 2,100 Da, about 1,800 Da to about 2,000 Da, or about1,850 Da to about 1,950 Da. In some embodiments, the block copolymer ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide may have an average molecular weightof from about 1,850 Da to about 1,950 Da, e.g., about 1,900 Da.

Illustrative block copolymers of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide(PO) may be or include, but are not limited to, PLURONIC® L35, PLURONIC®LI, PLURONIC® L43, PLURONIC® L10, PLURONIC® L44, PLURONIC® 10R5,PLURONIC® 17R4, PLURONIC® L25R4, PLURONIC® P84, PLURONIC® P65, PLURONIC®PI 04, PLURONIC® PI 05, and the like, and combinations thereof, all ofwhich are commercially available from BASF of Mount Olive, N.J. In acertain embodiment, the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide is PLURONIC® L35.

The block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide may be presentin an amount of from 40% to 60% by weight of the composition. In someembodiments, the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxideis present in an amount of from 40% to 50%, e.g., from 45% to 50%, from44% to 50%, from 46 to 48%, from 44% to 48%, or from 44% to 47%, byweight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the composition does not contain propylene glycol.In some embodiment, the composition does not contain any of propyleneglycol, glycerin, sorbitol and polyethyleneglycol (PEG).

The composition of the present invention may comprise a thickening agentselected from fumed silica, colloidal silica, cetearyl alcohol, or acombination thereof in an amount of from 0.5% to 5%, e.g., from 1% to3%, from 1% to 2%, about 1.5%, by weight of the composition. In someembodiments, the composition comprises a fumed silica.

In some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise polymersand/or copolymers of polyethylene glycol, of ethylene oxide/propyleneoxide, and of silicone. If such copolymers/polymers are used, they maybe selected from commercially available materials. In some embodiments,such block copolymer is an ethylene oxide, propylene oxide blockco-polymer of formula (ethylene oxide)_(x)-(propylene oxide)_(y) whereinx is an integer of 80-150, e.g., 100-130, e.g., about 116 or about 118,and y is an integer 30-80, e.g., about 60-70, e.g., about 66, having anaverage molecular weight of greater than 5000 Da, e.g., 8000-13000 Da,e.g., about 9800 Da. An illustrative ethylene oxide, propylene oxideblock co-polymer is PLURACARE® L1220 (available from BASF, Wyandotte,Mich., United States of America). In some embodiments, the ethyleneoxide, propylene oxide block co-polymer is present in an amount of from5% to 10%, e.g., from 6% to 9%, from 7% to 8%, or about 7.5%, by weightof the composition.

In some embodiment, the oral care composition of the present inventionmay have a viscosity of about 10,000 CPS to about 700,000 CPS,preferably about 30,000 CPS to about 300,000 CPS.

The oral care composition of the present invention may include anabrasive system including one or more abrasives. As used herein, theterm “abrasive” may also refer to materials commonly referred to as“polishing agents”. Illustrative abrasives may include, but are notlimited to, one or more phosphate salts (e.g., insoluble phosphatesalts), such as sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, calciumpyrophosphate, magnesium orthophosphate, trimagnesium orthophosphate,tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, anhydrous dicalciumphosphate, and the like, and mixtures or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the abrasives may include a combination of one or morephosphate salts and an additional abrasive. Illustrative abrasives thatmay be combined with the phosphate salts may be or include, but are notlimited to, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, hydrated alumina,silica, zirconium silicate, aluminum silicate including calcinedaluminum silicate, polymethyl methacrylate, and the like, and mixturesor combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the abrasive systemincludes a combination of abrasives. For example, the abrasive systemmay comprise a combination of sodium metaphosphate and calciumpyrophosphate. In a certain embodiment, the abrasive system comprisescalcium pyrophosphate in some embodiments, the amount or concentrationof the abrasives may be from 5% to 40%, e.g., 5-30%, 5-20%, 10-30%,10-20%, 12-18%, 13-17%, or about 15%, by weight of the composition.

The oral care composition of the present invention may comprise anadditional surfactant other than the block copolymer of ethylene oxideand propylene oxide. In some embodiments, the oral care composition maycomprise an anionic surfactant. Suitable anionic surfactants includewithout limitation water-soluble salts of C8-20 alkyl sulfates,sulfonated monoglycerides of C8-20 fatty acids, sarcosinates, tauratesand the like. Illustrative examples of these and other classes includesodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, ammonium laurylsulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium cocoyl monoglyceridesulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl isethionate, sodiumlaureth carboxylate, and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate. In someembodiments, the anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Theanionic surfactant, e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, may be present in anamount of from 0.3% to 4.5% by weight, e.g., 1-3%, 1.5-2.5%, 1.8-2.2%,or about 2%, by weight of the composition.

The oral care composition of the present invention may comprise fluoridesuch as one or more fluoride ion sources (e.g., soluble fluoride salts).A wide variety of fluoride ion-yielding materials may be employed assources of soluble fluoride. Illustrative fluoride ion sources include,but are not limited to, sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, potassiumfluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, fluorosilicate salts, such assodium fluorosilicate and ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride,ammonium fluoride, and combinations thereof. In some embodiment, thefluoride ion source is sodium monofluorophosphate or sodium fluoride.The amount of the fluoride ion source present in the oral carecomposition may be greater than 0 weight % and less than 0.8 wt %, lessthan 0.7 wt %, less than 0.6 wt %, less than 0.5 wt %, or less than 0.4wt %. The fluoride ion sources may be present in an amount sufficient tosupply 25 ppm to 5,000 ppm of fluoride ions, generally at least 500 ppm,e.g., 500 to 2000 ppm, e.g., 1000 ppm to 1600 ppm, e.g., 1450 ppm.

The oral care composition of the present invention may compriseanticalculus agents. Illustrative anticalculus agents may include, butare not limited to, phosphates and polyphosphates (e.g.,pyrophosphates), polyaminopropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), hexametaphosphatesalts, zinc citrate trihydrate, polypeptides, polyolefin sulfonates,polyolefin phosphates, diphosphonates. In some embodiments, theanticalculus agent comprises tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), sodiumtripolyphosphate (STPP), or a combination thereof.

The oral care composition of the present invention may comprise sodiumacid pyrophosphate (Na₂H₂P₂O₇). In some embodiments, sodium acidpyrophosphate (Na₂H₂P₂O₇) may be present in an amount of from 0.1% to5%, e.g., from 0.1% to 3%, from 0.1% to 2%, from 0.1% to 1%, from 0.1%to 0.5%, from 0.2% to 0.5%, from 0.3% to 0.5%, or about 0.4%, by weightof the composition.

The oral care composition of the present invention may comprise a basicamino acid in free or salt form. The basic amino acids which can be usedin the compositions include not only naturally occurring basic aminoacids, such as arginine, lysine, and histidine, but also any basic aminoacids having a carboxyl group and an amino group in the molecule, whichare water-soluble and provide an aqueous solution with a pH of about 7or greater. Accordingly, basic amino acids include, but are not limitedto, arginine, lysine, citrulline, ornithine, creatine, histidine,diaminobutyric acid, diaminopropionic acid, salts thereof orcombinations thereof. Ina particular embodiment, the basic amino acidsare selected from arginine, lysine, citrulline, and ornithine. The basicamino acids of the oral care composition may generally be present in theL-form or L-configuration. The basic amino acids may be provided as asalt of a di- or tri-peptide including the amino acid. In someembodiments, at least a portion of the basic amino acid present in theoral care composition is in the salt form. In some embodiments, thebasic amino acid is arginine, for example, L-arginine, or a saltthereof. Arginine may be provided as free arginine or a salt thereof.For example, Arginine may be provided as arginine phosphate, argininehydrochloride, arginine sulfate, arginine bicarbonate, or the like, andmixtures or combinations thereof. The basic amino acid may be providedas a solution or a solid. For example, the basic amino acid may beprovided as an aqueous solution. In some embodiment, the amino acidincludes or is provided by an arginine bicarbonate solution. Forexample, the amino acid may be provided by an about 40% solution of thebasic amino acid, such as arginine bicarbonate or alternatively calledas arginine carbamate. In some embodiments, the basic amino acid ispresent in an amount of from 1% to 15%, e.g., from 1% to 10%, from 1% to5%, from 1% to 3%, from 1% to 2%, from 1.2% to 1.8%, from 1.4% to 1.6%,or about 1.5% by weight of the composition, being calculated as freebase form.

The oral care composition of the present invention may comprise a zincion source. The zinc ion source may be or include a zinc ion and/or oneor more zinc salts. For example, the zinc salts may at least partiallydissociate in an aqueous solution to produce zinc ions. Illustrativezinc salts may include, but are not limited to, zinc lactate, zincoxide, zinc chloride, zinc phosphate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zincborate, zinc butyrate, zinc carbonate, zinc formate, zinc gluconate,zinc glycerate, zinc glycolate, zinc picolinate, zinc proprionate, zincsalicylate, zinc silicate, zinc stearate, zinc tartrate, zincundecylenate, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the zinc ionsource is present in an amount of from 0.01. % to 5%, e.g., 0.1% to 4%,or 1% to 3%, by weight of the composition.

The oral care composition of the present invention may include astannous ion source. The stannous ion source can be a soluble or aninsoluble compound of stannous with inorganic or organic counter ions.Examples include the fluoride, chloride, chlorofluoride, acetate,hexafluorozirconate, sulfate, tartrate, gluconate, citrate, malate,glycinate, pyrophosphate, metaphosphate, oxalate, phosphate, carbonatesalts and oxides of stannous. In some embodiments, the stannous ionsource is selected from the group consisting of stannous chloride,stannous fluoride, stannous pyrophosphate, stannous formate, stannousacetate, stannous gluconate, stannous lactate, stannous tartrate,stannous oxalate, stannous malonate, stannous citrate, stannous ethyleneglyoxide, and mixtures thereof.

The oral care composition of the present invention may include apreservative. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to,sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, methylisothiazolinone, parabenpreservatives, for example methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propylp-hydroxybenzoate, and mixtures thereof.

The oral care composition of the present invention may include asweetener such as, for example, saccharin, for example sodium saccharin,acesulfame, neotame, cyclamate or sucralose; natural high-intensitysweeteners such as thaumatin, stevioside or glycyrrhizin; or such assorbitol, xylitol, maltitol or mannitol. One or more of such sweetenersmay be present in an amount of from 0.005% to 5% by weight, for example0.01% to 1%, for example 0.01% to 0.5%, by weight of the composition. Insome embodiments, the composition comprises sodium saccharin andsucralose. In a certain embodiment, the composition comprises a triplesweetener system of sodium saccharin, sucralose and rebaudioside M (RebM).

The oral care composition of the present invention may include aflavoring agent. Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limitedto, essential oils and various flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols,and similar materials, as well as sweeteners such as sodium saccharin.Examples of the essential oils include oils of spearmint, peppermint,wintergreen, sassafras, clove, sage, eucalyptus, marjoram, cinnamon,lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. Also useful are such chemicals asmenthol, carvone, and anethole. The flavoring agent is typicallyincorporated in the oral composition at a concentration of 0.01 to 3% byweight.

The oral care composition of the invention may include an antioxidant.Any orally acceptable antioxidant may be used, including, but notlimited to, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT), vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols,ascorbic acid, herbal antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, or the like,or combinations and mixtures thereof.

The oral care composition of the invention may include one or morepigments, such as whitening pigments. In some embodiments, the whiteningpigments include particles ranging in size from about 0.1 μm to about 10μm with a refractive index greater than about 1.2. Suitable whiteningagents include, without limitation, titanium dioxide particles, zincoxide particles, aluminum oxide particles, tin oxide particles, calciumoxide particles, magnesium oxide particles, barium oxide particles,silica particles, zirconium silicate particles, mica particles, talcparticles, tetracalcium phosphate particles, amorphous calcium phosphateparticles, alpha-tricalcium phosphate particles, beta-tricalciumphosphate particles, hydroxyapatite particles, calcium carbonateparticles, zinc phosphate particles, silicon dioxide particles,zirconium silicate particles, or the like, or mixtures and combinationsthereof. The whitening pigment, such as titanium dioxide particles, maybe present in an amount that is sufficient to whiten the teeth.

All ingredients for use in the compositions described herein should beorally acceptable. As used herein, “orally acceptable” may refer anyingredient that is present in a composition as described in an amountand form which does not render the composition unsafe for use in theoral cavity.

The invention provides a method of whitening teeth, comprising applyingany of the oral care compositions disclosed herein, e.g., any ofCompositions 1 et seq., to the surface of the teeth.

The invention provides the use of a block copolymer of ethylene oxideand propylene oxide for increasing the stability of an oral carecomposition comprising a peroxide whitening complex in an amount toprovide from 3.5% to 7%, e.g., 3.5-6%, 3.5-5%, 3.5-4.5%, 3.8-4.2%,3.9%-4.1%, or about 4%, of hydrogen peroxide by weight of thecomposition, wherein the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide is present in an amount of from 40% to 60% by weight of thecomposition. In some embodiments, the whitening complex comprises across-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide(PVP-H₂O₂). In some embodiments, the block copolymer of ethylene oxideand propylene oxide has a molecular weight of from 1,000 Da to 3,000 Da.In some embodiments, the composition does not contain propylene glycol.

EXAMPLES Example 1

In order to formulate stable oral care whitening compositions containinga high level (4%) of hydrogen peroxide, the interaction of cross-linkedPVP complexed with hydrogen peroxide (PVP-H₂O₂) with differenthumectants was examined. PVP-H₂O₂ was mixed with a block copolymer ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide (PLURONIC® L35) or propylene glycol,as shown in Table 1. Weights of the materials were decided based ontheir formula percentages.

TABLE 1 Mixture Mixture sample 1 sample 2Polyoxypropylene-Polyoxyethylene 10 g 0 g Block Copolymer (L35)Propylene glycol 0 g 10 g Cross-linked PVP complexed with Hydrogen 4.4 g4.4 g Peroxide (18% hydrogen peroxide)

The left and right vials in FIG. 1 show PVP-H₂O₂ mixed with PLURONIC®L35 and propylene glycol respectively. When PVP-H₂O₂ was mixed withPLURONIC® L35 (left vial), a homogeneous and smooth mixture was formed.However, the mixture of PVP-H₂O₂ and propylene glycol (right vial) wasvery viscous and a rough structure was obtained. It is believed that thedistinct structures of the mixtures are mainly due to the differentreactions of PVP-H₂O₂ with PLURONIC® L35 and Propylene glycol. PVP-H₂O₂has little interaction with PLURONIC® L35, while PVP-H₂O₂ swells inpropylene glycol.

Seven 4% H₂O₂ whitening toothpastes with various humectant systems wereprepared as indicated in Table 2. Composition 1 contains 46.91%PLURONIC® L35 but does not contain propylene glycol. Compositions 2-5contain various amounts of PLURONIC® L35 and propylene glycol.Compositions 6 and 7 contain 47.51% or 52.51% propylene glycol but donot contain PLURONIC® L35.

TABLE 2 Comp. 1 Comp. 2 Comp. 3 Comp. 4 Comp. 5 Comp. 6 Comp. 7Polyoxypropylene-Polyoxyethylene 46.91%   40%   30%   20%   10%    0   0 Block Copolymer (L35) Propylene glycol    0%  7.41% 17.61% 27.71%37.71% 47.51% 52.51% Cross-linked PVP complexed with   22%   22%   22%  22%   22%   22%   22% hydrogen peroxide (18% hydrogen peroxide) FumedSilica    1%  0.50%  0.30%  0.20%  0.20%  0.20%  0.20% Calciumpyrophosphate   15%   15%   15%   15%   15%   15%   10% PolyethyleneGlycol/Polypropylene  7.5%  7.5%  7.5%  7.5%  7.5%  7.5%  7.5% Glycol116/66 Copolymer Sodium lauryl phosphate    2%    2%    2%    2%    2%   2%    2% Tetrasodium pyrophosphate  1.3%  1.3%  1.3%  1.3%  1.3% 1.3%  1.3% Sodium monofluorophosphate  0.76%  0.76%  0.76%  0.76% 0.76%  0.76%  0.76% Sodium acid pyrophosphate  0.4%  0.4%  0.4%  0.4% 0.4%  0.6%  0.6% Sweeteners, antioxidant, flavor  3.13%  3.13%  3.13% 3.13%  3.13%  3.13%  3.13% Total components   100%   100%   100%   100%  100%   100%   100%

Formula processability of these toothpastes was evaluated by a labpumping test. The lab pumping test is to evaluate whether a toothpastecan be transferred from a storage tank to a filling tank in themanufacturing facility. As a rule of thumb, a pressure lower than 15 baris considered to be safe and operable in production. Physical formulastability was also evaluated. The results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Pressure (bar) Physical Stability Comp. 1  7 pass Comp. 2 31Failed - too thick to dispense after l week/60° C. aging. Also failedthe pumping test. Comp. 3 46 Failed - severe phase separation, too thickto dispense after 2 week/60° C. aging. Also failed the pumping test.Comp. 4 77 Failed - too thick to dispense after 2 week/60° C. aging.Also failed the pumping test. Comp. 5 49 Failed - too thick to dispenseafter 2 week/60° C. aging. Also failed the pumping test. Comp. 6 62Failed - too thick to dispense after l week/60° C. aging. Also failedthe pumping test. Comp. 7 39 Failed - too thick to pump in making line.

Composition 1 containing PLURONIC® L35 exhibited an acceptable pressure(7 bar) in the lab pumping test and passed the physical stability test,while Compositions 2-5 containing a combination of PLURONIC® L35 andpropylene glycol in various ratios and Compositions 6-7 containingpropylene glycol were too thick to dispense upon aging and/or too thickto pump in making line. These results show that propylene glycol aloneor a combination of PLURONIC® L35 and propylene glycol cannot be used asa humectant system for 4% H₂O₂ whitening toothpastes and the completereplacement of propylene glycol with a block copolymer of ethylene oxideand propylene oxide (PLURONIC® L35) improves the physical stability andprocessability of 4% H₂O₂ whitening toothpaste.

Example 2

Whitening toothpastes containing 1, 2, 3, or 4% H₂O₂ were prepared asindicated in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Ingredient Comp. 8 Comp. 9 Comp. 10 Comp. 11 Polyoxypropylene-   0%    0%    0% 46.79% Polyoxyethylene Block, L35 Propylenge glycol34.16% 40.13% 52.78%    0% Polyethylelne glycol 600   10%   10%    0%   0% glycerin   10%   2.5%    0%     0% Cross-linked PVP complexed 5.5%   11%  16.5%   22% with hydrogen peroxide (18% hydrogen peroxide)Fumed Silica  3.38%  1.75%  0.4%  1.5% Polyvinyl pyrrolidone  3.38% 1.75%    0%    0% Polyethylene Glycol/   10%   10%  7.5%  7.5%Polypropylene Glycol Sodium monofluorophosphate  0.76%  0.76%  0.76% 0.76% Calcium pyrophosphate   15%   15%   15%   15% Sodium laurylphosphate    2%   2%    2%    2% Tetrasodium pyrophosphate    2%  1.3% 1.3%  1.3% Sodium acid pyrophosphate  0.9%  0.6%  0.6%  0.4%Sweeteners, antioxidant, flavor  2.93%  3.21%  3.16%  2.75% TotalComponents   100%   100%   100%   100%

Composition 8-11 contain 1, 2, 3, or 4% hydrogen peroxide, as deliveredfrom the cross-linked PVP complexed with hydrogen peroxide. A commonlyused humectant, propylene glycol, was completely replaced by a blockcopolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (PLURONIC® L35) inComposition 11. Composition 11 contains 46.79% PLURONIC® L35 but doesnot contain propylene glycol as the orally acceptable vehicle. A triplesweetener system of Sodium Saccharin, Sucralose and BESTEVIA® Reb M wasused in Composition 11 to provide a nice taste by countering the bittertaste of the block copolymer L35. The stability of Composition 11 wasevaluated under accelerated aging conditions. Particularly, thecomposition was aged in an incubator maintained at 40° C. and 75%Relative Humidity or at 30° C. and 65% Relative Humidity for threemonths. Composition 11 showed acceptable physical stability.

The chemical stability of Compositions 8-11 was evaluated by determiningthe amount of hydrogen peroxide (HP) contained in the composition overtime. As shown in Table 5, Compositions 8-11 exhibited good hydrogenperoxide stability.

TABLE 5 % HP Aging Condition Comp. 8 Comp. 9 Comp. 10 Comp. 11 1 month,40° C./75% RH 0.96% 1.90% 2.90% 4.02% 2 months, 40° C./75% RH 0.93%1.90% 2.90% 4.10% 3 months, 30° C./65% RH 4.14% 3 months, 40° C./75% RH0.90% 1.80% 2.80% 4.05%

The chemical stability of Composition 11 was further evaluated bydetermining the amount of soluble fluoride contained in the compositionover time.

TABLE 6 Soluble Fluoride Stability of Composition 11 Over Time AgingCondition Soluble Fluoride, ppm 1 month, 40° C./75% RH 1080 2 months,40° C./75% RH 1050 3 months, 30° C./65% RH 1090 3 months, 40° C./75% RH1100

As shown in Table 6, Composition 11 exhibited good fluoride stability.The amount of hydrogen peroxide and soluble fluoride in Composition 11remained substantially constant over time under accelerated agingconditions.

The whitening efficacy of Composition 11 (4% HP toothpaste) was comparedwith Composition 10 (3% HP toothpaste). Whitening efficacy wasdetermined by the standard brushing protocol using human molars in lab.Twenty human molars with physical soundness were selected and cleanedwith ethanol and then washed by running tap water. The root of the teethwas removed using a saw machine and then cut in half with each halfassigned to one product. The halved molar was mounted in resin withcrown side exposed and kept flat as much as possible. The baseline L*,a*, b* of the halved molars were measured by two equipment,Hyperspectral Camera (Middleton Spectral Vision) and EasyShade (Vita)following respective operation manual. Hyperspectal camera measures theoverall teeth whiteness, while EasyShade measures surface and underneathteeth whiteness separately. The molars were then placed in brushingtrays, 4 pieces per tray, which were assembled in a brushing machine.The brushing machine was set to brush the molars at constant speed of120 strokes/minute for 2 minutes each cycle. Toothpaste was made into1:1 slurry in DI water and 20 ml of such slurry was used per tray perbrushing cycle. Every two brushing cycles representing a day of use, themolars were measured again by three equipment on L*, a*, b*. Delta WIO(a tooth whitening index) was then calculated to show the whiteningefficacy. The higher Delta WIO value indicates the better whiteningperformance. The results are shown in Tables 7 and 8.

TABLE 7 Results of Delta WIO from Hyperspectral Camera Delta WIO of 3%Delta WIO of 4% Time Point HP Toothpaste HP Toothpaste Baseline 0 0 Day1 −0.04 2.55 Day 2 −0.22 3.79 Day 3 0.65 7.44 Day 4 2.55 7.85 Day 5 2.829.02 Day 6 4.06 9.98 Day 7 7.27 11.85

TABLE 8 Results of Delta WIO from EasyShade Delta WIO of 3% Delta WIO of4% HP Toothpaste HP Toothpaste Time Point Surface Inside Surface InsideBaseline 0 0 0 0 Day 1 2.77 0.81 3.83 3.81 Day 2 3.76 −0.94 8.73 4.78Day 3 4.79 1.92 11.34 3.83 Day 4 5.16 3.01 12.06 4.92 Day 5 4.41 3.9411.67 5.78 Day 6 6.35 3.66 13.21 7.06 Day 7 5.84 3.01 13.23 7.30

As shown in Tables 7 and 8, 4% HP toothpaste (Composition 11) showedbetter whitening performance than 3% HP toothpaste (Composition 10) asseen in the data from both equipments. 4% HP toothpaste showed asignificantly greater increase in WIO compared to 3% HP toothpaste.Furthermore, 4% HP toothpaste also outperformed 3% HP toothpaste inremoving stains inside the teeth.

While the disclosure has been described with respect to specificexamples including presently preferred modes of carrying out thedisclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there arenumerous variations and permutations of the above described systems andtechniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and structural and functional modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the scope ofthe disclosure should be construed broadly as set forth in the appendedclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising a peroxidewhitening complex in an amount to provide from 3.5% to 7% of hydrogenperoxide by weight of the composition, and a block copolymer of ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide in an amount of from 40% to 60% by weight ofthe composition.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the whiteningcomplex comprises a cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed withhydrogen peroxide (PVP-H₂O₂).
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein theperoxide whitening complex is present in an amount to provide from 3.8to 4.2% of hydrogen peroxide by weight of the composition.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer of ethylene oxideand propylene oxide is represented by formula(ethylene oxide)_(x)-(propylene oxide)_(y)-(ethylene oxide)_(z),wherein: x is an integer from about 5 to about 15, y is an integer fromabout 10 to about 20, and z is an integer from about 5 to about
 15. 5.The composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer of ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide is represented by formula (ethyleneoxide)₁₁-(propylene oxide)₁₆-(ethylene oxide)₁₁.
 6. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide has an average molecular weight of from 1,000 Da to 3,000 Da. 7.The composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer of ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide is present in an amount of from 44% to 50% byweight of the composition.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition does not contain propylene glycol.
 9. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition does not contain any of propyleneglycol, glycerin, sorbitol and polyethyleneglycol (PEG).
 10. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprise a thickeningagent selected from fumed silica, colloidal silica, cetearyl alcohol, ora combination thereof.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises an ethylene oxide, propylene oxide blockco-polymer having an average molecular weight of greater than 5000 Da.12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises afluoride ion source.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises an abrasive selected from sodium metaphosphate,potassium metaphosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, magnesiumorthophosphate, trimagnesium orthophosphate, tricalcium phosphate,dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, ormixtures thereof.
 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises an anionic surfactant.
 15. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition comprises an anticalculus agentselected from tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), sodium tripolyphosphate(STPP), or a combination thereof.
 16. The composition of claim 1,wherein the composition comprises sodium acid pyrophosphate.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition the compositioncomprises sodium saccharin and sucralose.
 18. The composition of claim1, wherein the composition is free or substantially free of water. 19.The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a toothpaste orgel.
 20. A method of whitening teeth, comprising applying an oral carecomposition according to claim 1 to the surface of the teeth.